1. The French Revolution Begins

2. France is in Trouble!! 1. Huge Deficit – Louis XIV spent too much. 2. Poor Harvest – food shortages hurt the lower classes. 3. Ineffective Leaders – Louis XV and Louis XVI could not/would not fix the problems of the nation.

4. Louis XVI 1789 – He realizes he needs help. Calls for Estates General to meet (first time they were allowed to since Louis XIII was king). EG writes a constitution taking abs. power from king. Louis disagrees and shuts them down. EG continues to meet in secret.

5. Cont. July 14, 1789 – People in Paris riot and attack the Bastille (prison) and capture it. (Spark of the Revolution) Peasants in the countryside begin rising up. EG takes charge of the situation forcing Louis XVI to give up some of his power.